|
Free AND in Lincoln Park
For the amount of space and budget, this zoo is definitely working hard to make the best environments for its animals. Lincoln Park Zoo is also one of the oldest zoological gardens in the country;...
For the amount of space and budget, this zoo is definitely working hard to make the best environments for its animals. Lincoln Park Zoo is also one of the oldest zoological gardens in the country; it's been around since 1868.
Avoid weekends during most of the summer unless you like small children, strollers, and parents who have no idea how to parent.
But definitely take time to visit if you haven't already. Parking is available and food services are also located within the zoo. Or bring a picnic and have lunch at Lincoln Park and visit the lakefront if you have time.
Hide
|
|
Raising Brainless Beauties
After seeing this store, does anyone honestly believe the American Girl stories and dolls "empower" little girls or serve as decent role models?
This store does nothing but propagate the image of...
After seeing this store, does anyone honestly believe the American Girl stories and dolls "empower" little girls or serve as decent role models?
This store does nothing but propagate the image of girls as consumers and caretakers. Face it, they sell dolls, doll clothes, doll accessories (b/c your doll MUST have the right shoes and handbag), doll services (so her hair is just right) and has a restaurant where your doll can eat too. American Girl (owned by Mattel) has taken what may have, at one time, been a good thing and turned it into a profiteering monster.
However, I do appreciate that American Girl supports Girl Inc, an incredible nonprofit.
For an entertaining read from Gaper's Block:
http://www.gapersblock.com/detour/american_girls_gone_wild/index.php
Hide
|
|
Durkin's
Category:
Bars
810 W Diversey Pkwy
Chicago, Illinois
(773) 525-2515
Plenty of specials, good food
Plenty of specials, good food
As holder of the "oldest continuous beer license" on the north side (they served during Prohibition too), Durkins still has a lot going for it. Every night has a special ($3 any beer on Tuesdays)...
As holder of the "oldest continuous beer license" on the north side (they served during Prohibition too), Durkins still has a lot going for it. Every night has a special ($3 any beer on Tuesdays) and the weekends see a lot of meal/drink packages. This is a Steelers bar, so you'll find Iron City and IC Light on the beer list.
The food, which comes from neighbor Select Cut Steakhouse, is generally pretty decent. If there is one thing on the menu you must order it is the Steakburger (Select Cut ranks #4 on Metromix's list of Top 5 Chicagoland Burgers). It's about 8 bucks.
Durkin's does have a party/college crowd atmosphere but it's manageable and doesn't seem to draw the frosh.
On some weeknights, Durkin's hosts Euchre and Poker leagues (www.bar1events.com). Having played in both, they are fantabulous.
Hide
|
|
They serve coffee too!
Map Room is quaint without the doilies. The shelves against one of the walls are filled with travel and destination book; you will never have to struggle through a conversation again!
There are...
Map Room is quaint without the doilies. The shelves against one of the walls are filled with travel and destination book; you will never have to struggle through a conversation again!
There are so many different beers on the menu, 26 total on tap. They even offer a beer school periodically.
It can get very crowded and be annoyingly loud (music and drunk people) on the weekends, however, which is disappointing because this is the type of place you want to drink AND carry on a conversation without going hoarse.
Hide
|
|
Unpretentious with Beer Garden
Okay, so maybe only a little pretentious, but only during the locust-like swarm of Cubs fans (sorry fans, it's true).
The beer list is incredible. Whether you're into Belgiums, microbrews, wheat...
Okay, so maybe only a little pretentious, but only during the locust-like swarm of Cubs fans (sorry fans, it's true).
The beer list is incredible. Whether you're into Belgiums, microbrews, wheat beers, lambics...they have something for everyone. They also have the Joseph Sheffield Beer Memorial: a beer club where you drink your way down a list and, when complete, receive a Sheffield's shirt, some pint glasses and a few other "prizes." Unfortunately, I'm at 2+ years on this list because I moved away from the neighborhood. Someday soon, I will complete it, and will celebrate accordingly.
The beer garden is large and maintains a conversation-friendly noise level, despite the close-by brown/red lines.
The bathrooms are nothing special, but always in working order.
They don't serve food, but you can definitely bring in your own, or order in.
Service is better than average, pretty good actually, and the bartenders are very knowledgable about.....you guessed it: beer.
Hide
|
|
All Occasion Great
The are 2 reasons this place doesn't get a "perfect": noise level is often too high to have a good conversation, and service, while very good, can be slow. They need to get some sound paneling;...
The are 2 reasons this place doesn't get a "perfect": noise level is often too high to have a good conversation, and service, while very good, can be slow. They need to get some sound paneling; conversation and music seems to just bounce around and amplify.
Other than those things, Webster Wine Bar is perfect; great for casual occasions, celebrations, dates, catchup with friends and family, and partciularly anything else. (This is a good time to note that I do not have children, therefore I write from that perspective).
Many flights are available and the wine list is a TOME that takes up about half the surface space of the smaller tables. There isn't an extensive menu, but appetizers, small plates, cheeses and dessert are available. I recommend getting dessert.
The waitstaff really knows their stuff, by the way. I've witnessed "quiz" sessions given by one of the bartenders. You know, that whole taste this and tell me what year, appellation, etc. It was pretty awesome.
Hide
|
|
Most European Bar in Chicago
I love the Hopleaf and I will make any excuse to go. In fact, I don't even need it an excuse, it's the Hopleaf!
The beer selection is stupendous, especially in relation to Belgium beers. ...
I love the Hopleaf and I will make any excuse to go. In fact, I don't even need it an excuse, it's the Hopleaf!
The beer selection is stupendous, especially in relation to Belgium beers. Apparently they've added Rodenbach to the list, although I haven't been in to order it yet. It is a must try.
The mussels are divine as are the fries served with aioli mayonnaise. I've never had a bad or even mediocre meal here; although I haven't exhausted the menu, I'm convinced everything is delicious.
Week nights are better if you go. I went last Saturday at 5:30 PM and the wait for a table was over an hour. I'm told it clears up after 8PM or so, but need to verify.
Hide
|
|
Maeve
Category:
Bars
1325 W Wrightwood Ave
Chicago, Illinois
(773) 388-3333
Good Drinks, Too Much Standing Room
Good Drinks, Too Much Standing Room
The drink specials are decent, one being $5 martinis on Wednesdays (they're darn tasty and a lot of variety appears on the menu). The service is also pretty good. Music swings from really good to...
The drink specials are decent, one being $5 martinis on Wednesdays (they're darn tasty and a lot of variety appears on the menu). The service is also pretty good. Music swings from really good to why-the-hell -are-they-playing-this-crap?
But the mirror that lines the back wall and some of the side walls is so distracting, it makes me feel like a parrot. And there is so much space between the bar and the tables/high booths lining the walls you just know this place was designed with the intent to pack customers in like sardines. So what could have been a really cool lounge on a slightly off the beaten track street (Rose Angellis is directly across on Wrightwood), is just a semi-cool place to be on weeknights and a defnite no for the busier weekends when finding seating (and parking) is a b****.
Hide
|
|
I shook Charles Ifergan's hand
After I checked in, an assistant/hostess walked me over to Charles Ifergan and introduced us--I was impressed and instantly at home.
The prices are high (this is the Gold Coast) but not extreme....
After I checked in, an assistant/hostess walked me over to Charles Ifergan and introduced us--I was impressed and instantly at home.
The prices are high (this is the Gold Coast) but not extreme. The prices also equal really great services. Here, they do everything possible to give you the best hair cut.
This is also the best place to have a bikini/brazilian wax. They don't use hard wax; rather, they use wax with muslin cloth strips, which takes a little bit longer but removes more hair. Think less plucking.
Hide
|
|
|